kleptomaniac

noun

klep·​to·​ma·​ni·​ac ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ˌak 

: a person evidencing kleptomania

Examples of kleptomaniac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After her emergence, Dawn gets saddled with tedious subplots: a kleptomaniac streak, bad boyfriends, and an overeager tendency to put herself in danger. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025

The stigma kleptomaniacs face can leave them feeling ashamed, embarrassed or afraid to seek support. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

Here are three reasons behind the behavior of a kleptomaniac, according to research. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

Joined by a kleptomaniac fox (Awkwafina), a brusque pangolin (Ke Huy Quan) and a trio of ferocious little bunnies, Po sets out to defeat a sorcerer named the Chameleon (Viola Davis). —Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024

This begs the question: What drives kleptomaniacs to commit acts of theft even with possible negative consequences? —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

The book, which chronicles the exploits of a kinky kleptomaniac, has been optioned for the screen, but has stalled due to the strikes. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2023

At its center was a young charming illiterate kleptomaniac — a hero for the times — Steve Jones, who became in his own words, the 94th greatest guitarist of all time. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2022

Jimmy Kimmel Live's impersonation was the most realistic, as Kimmel chased a kleptomaniac, questions-dodging Santos (Nelson Franklin) through the halls of Congress. —Peter Weber, The Week, 23 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

kleptomania + -ac, after maniac entry 1

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kleptomaniac

noun

klep·​to·​ma·​ni·​ac ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ˌak 

: a person who exhibits kleptomania

Medical Definition

kleptomaniac

noun

klep·​to·​ma·​ni·​ac -nē-ˌak 

: an individual exhibiting kleptomania